Funny Bones:
Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras
Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras
A Review by Amanda Kendall
Bibliography:
Tonatiuh, Duncan. 2015. Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras. New York: Abrams Books for Young Readers. 1419716476
Plot Summary:
Skeletons and skulls have long been associated with El Dia de los Muertos, however these calaveras, as they are called, are the original creation of Mexican artist Jose Guadalupe Posada. An artist from a young age, he learned the art of lithography, engraving, and etching. He worked at a print shop and used his artistic skills to make political cartoons and make people laugh. This was the beginning of his success and his printing career. He continued to illustrate many different cartoons and designs throughout his life, however his creations for El Dia de los Muertos were his most popular. He created beautiful images to accompany short rhyming poems for the day. People were both entertained and impressed with his talent and ability to say so much through his imagery. Although his art was enjoyed by many during his life, his work was not appreciated until long after his death. His work and details of his life continue to be discovered as people learn more about the incredible man behind the famous images.
Analysis:
Duncan Tonatiuh does a remarkable job of honoring the life and art of Jose Guadalupe Posada in Funny Bones. He tells the story with direct specificity that allows the reader to easily follow along and enjoy. The inclusion of how to print using lithography, engraving, and etching adds to the reader's knowledge of art and design while supporting the understanding of Posada's process. Carefully planned and well executed, Tonatiuh's text provides an excellent overview of Posada's life, chronicles the development of the Calaveras images used in Mexican culture, and highlights the importance of his work today.
The illustrations play a vital role in the storytelling of this informational text. The illustrations are a mix of Tonatiuh's hand-drawn images and reprints of art by Jose Guadalupe Posada and Manuel Manilla. Beautifully incorporated together, both styles of imagery complement the story of Posada's life. At times the primary source material is mixed within Tonatiuh's art, while other times it is showcased on a page of its own. Woven in perfect harmony with the text, the images convey the importance and political and social context of each piece of art throughout Posada's life. While Tonatiuh's artwork makes the book accessible for young readers, the inclusion of the original artwork makes the book look and feel even more authentic in a very unique way.
The book concludes with an incredibly informative author's note, a glossary of art and Spanish terms, and a bibliography and index. These helpful tools allow the reader to continue their study of El Dia de los Muertos and Posada's art. Well researched and beautifully presented, Tonatiuh shares the story of an artist whose legacy has altered the imagery of a timeless celebration in a fresh new way.
The book concludes with an incredibly informative author's note, a glossary of art and Spanish terms, and a bibliography and index. These helpful tools allow the reader to continue their study of El Dia de los Muertos and Posada's art. Well researched and beautifully presented, Tonatiuh shares the story of an artist whose legacy has altered the imagery of a timeless celebration in a fresh new way.
Awards & Reviews:
- 2016 Sibert Award Winner
- Pura Belpre (Illustrator) Honor Book
- New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books of 2015
- International Latino Book Award Finalist
From Booklist: "Playful but informative, this picture book offers a fascinating introduction to the artist and his work."
From School Library Journal: "A stunning work, with great possibilities for lesson plans or tie-ins with Day of the Dead."
Connections:
More Books by Duncan Tonatiuh:
More Books by Duncan Tonatiuh:
- Separate is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family's Fight for Desegregation. 1419710540
- Dear Primo: A Letter to My Cousin. 0810938723
- Diego Rivera: His World and Ours. 0810997312
- Pancho Rrabbit and the Coyote: A Migrant's Tale. 1419705830
- The Princess and the Warrior: A Tale of Two Volcanoes. 1419721305
- Barner, Bob. The Day of the Day/ El Dia De Los Muertos. Translated by Teresa Mlawer. 0823423816
- Bracegirdle, P.J. The Dead Family Diaz. 0147515580
- Keep, Richard. Clatter Bash! A Day of the Dead Celebration. 1561454613
- Thong, Roseanne G. Dia de los Muertos. Ill. Carles Ballesteros. 0807515663
- Winter, Jeanette. Calavera Abecedario: A Day of the Dead Alphabet Book. 0152059067
- Host an El Dia de los Muertos celebration with pan de muerto, marigold flowers, sugar skulls, and paper cutouts. Build an ofrenda to honor people who have passed.
- Write about a loved one who has passed to remember and celebrate them.
- Decorate a calaveras image with bright colors and marigolds to celebrate El Dia de los Muertos.
- Recreated the lithography and etching processes using rubber stamps.
- Research and learn more about other Mexican artists.
